Perfect summer trips

Treat yourself to an amazing summer vacation, from exploring gorgeous wilderness to enjoying the season's supreme cultural events.


One perfect day in Yosemite
See the sun rise over glistening meadows, trek to three waterfalls, eat lunch beneath El Capitan­-and still have time for an ice cream break. Here's our hour-by-hour breakdown of the perfect day in Yosemite.
> More: Spend a scenic day in Yosemite National Park


Culture on a budget in Ashland, OR
See a world-class Shakespeare production, hear live music, wander galleries, and beat the heat in woodsy 93-acre Lithia Park.

> More: Bargain Ashland getaway


Surrounded by nature in Sawtooth Mountains, ID
Imagine a national park-level wilderness without National Park-level crowds. No bus tours. No traffic. No entrance fees. Just drop-to-your-knees gorgeous land full of hiking trails, hot springs, trout-filled streams, and some of the best lemonade we've ever tasted.

> More: Soak up nature in the Sawtooth Mountains


Raise your sail in Gig Harbor, WA


Set sail-or just watch the boats glide by-in this mile-long harbor town. Rent a boat, watch one being made, or count them up in the harbor, then feast on the catch of the day at a local tavern.

> More: Enjoy a day on the water in Gig Harbor


Take in the beauty of Maui, HI


Maui's got all the essentials for the ultimate tropical vacation. Snorkel, shop, head out on a horseback ride, and enjoy the island's immense beauty.

> More: Do as the locals do on Maui


Sun and surf in Huntington Beach, CA
Whether you're carving up the waves or watching the pros from the sand, this classic beach-town will work its charms on you.
> More: Huntington Beach sunny escape



Road trip through Yellowstone, WY


This is the granddaddy of national parks, full of waterfalls, bison, and geysers. From cabins to fishing to camping, here's our tips on what to do, where to eat, and where to stay.

> More: Take an unforgettable Yellowstone vacation


Go wine tasting in B.C.'s Okanagan Valley


This achingly beautiful wine country is in full-throttle discovery mode, with new wineries and different kinds of grapes going in all the time. Add to this pristine lakes, orchards, and wide range of non-wine-related things for the whole family to do, and you have a wine-country experience like no other.

> More: Explore Oakanagan Valley


Pitch your tent the West's best campgrounds


Camping is the ultimate bargain getaway. From the rim of the Grand Canyon to the sweeping Arch Rock Campground in Nevada's Valley of Fire State Park, here are 90 great spots to roll out your sleeping bag.
> More: The West's best camping spots

SEE ALL 33 FAVORITE SUMMER TRIPS